In the past we have advised packers of canned corn on the cob that the quantity of contents declaration should be in terms of both net weight and count.

Upon the basis of information supplied by the National Canners Association, we have concluded that a net weight declaration on canned corn on the cob would not be meaningful to consumers since such declaration would include the weight of the inedible cobs and the packing medium which is customarily discarded. A drained weight declaration, which would include the weight of the inedible cobs, would not be meaningful, and might be misleading, since drained weight declarations usually indicate the quantity of edible food in packages.

POLICY:

In order to satisfy the requirement of 21 CFR 101.105(a), the quantity of contents declaration on canned corn on the cob should be in terms of count (number of ears). We will not object to a declaration in terms of net weight also, but this is not required. The can should, of course, be well filled to avoid deception.